What is the use of a table saw without a table saw blade? I guess you already know the answer. They are an integral part of every table saw and very indispensable, however, continuous use of your table saw will eventually lead to a dirty and rusty saw blade, — which can negatively impact your woodwork projects. In this guide, we will look at how to clean table saw blade for better and improved productivity.
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Why You Should Clean Your Table Saw Blade
Using your table saw with a dirty or rusty blade can reduce the sharpness and performance of your tool and generally lead to poor projects. Dirt and rust lead to a dull blade, increase friction and heat, — and end up making your cut more difficult, thereby resulting in an unclean cut. Most importantly, rusty and dull blades are more dangerous than sharp blades. Hence, it is very important to pay close attention to your table saw blades and always clean them frequently.
Cleaning Items Needed
Before we begin the cleaning process, it is important to note that there are three major types of table saw blades. — And they may require different cleaning materials and approaches.
Woodworking saw blades: — These are basically used for cutting wood, particle board, or plastic.
Metalworking saw blades: — They are used for cutting aluminum and other soft metals.
Carbide-tipped saw blades: — The carbide-tipped saw blades are generally used for cutting hardwood, strong metals, and soft stones.
The type of table saw blade you have will determine the type of cleaning approach you will apply. We will look at the cleaning approach suitable for the three different blades mentioned above.
The Cleaning Items Required
Always use the correct cleaning material when cleaning your table saw blade.
- The table saw blade itself
- Latex gloves
- Shallow aluminum pan
- Soft cloth
- Water-based cleaning solution
- Wire brush, or steel wool.
- Anti-rust spray
Now that we have gathered our cleaning materials, let’s dive into how to clean table saw blade following the below procedure.
Step 1: Working with table saws requires safety measures. So we won’t neglect it. The first thing you need to do is to put on your latex gloves. This will protect against sharp edges and harsh cleaning solutions. If possible also put on some protective gear like the eye goggle.
Step 2: Remove the blade. Removing the blade of your table saw is a vital part of the process and requires meticulous attention. Let’s work through the steps involved in removing the blade before proceeding with the cleaning process. It’s essential to follow this procedure with care to ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the blade or the saw itself.
- Before you begin, make sure the table saw is completely powered off and unplugged. Your safety should always be the top priority.
- Next is to remove the Throat Plate and the Blade Guard. This will allow you to access the blade itself. Since table saws are not built and designed in the same way, you may need to consult your instruction manual on how to remove the throat plate from your table saw.
- Once you are done with that, it is time to raise the table saw blade. Every table saw has an adjustable height. You need to set yours to the maximum height, raising it as much as you can, — this is necessary because it will allow you to access the nuts and bolts.
- Now, it is time to locate the arbor nut. This is usually found at the center of the blade. You need to be careful when losing the table saw blade because it can be tricky and hard at the same time. To do this, you will need two wrenches to lose the arbor nut. One of the wrenches will be used to hold the nut in a stationary position, while the other will be used to unscrew the nut.
Note: The arbor nut is one of the most important parts of the blade, so make sure to handle it with care and don’t misplace it. Make sure the nut does not fall inside the machine itself when you are unscrewing it, as this could lead to issues later. Remove the washer and keep it safe after the arbor nut has been removed.
- Finally, let’s remove the blade. After removing the washer and the arbor nut, there’s nothing holding the table saw blade again, so you can simply take it out of the machine and prepare for the cleaning.
Step 3: Soak the Blade; — put the blade in a shallow aluminum pan filled with a water-based cleaning solution. Make sure the blade is completely immersed to allow for complete dirt cleansing.
Step 4: Once the blade is immersed in the cleaning solution, allow the blade to soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt and rust. After soaking, use the wire brush or steel wool to gently scrub the blade’s teeth and surface. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the blade. A brass brush is the most effective.
Step 5: During the washing process, look for any remaining residue on the table saw blade, — use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining residue on the blade. Ensure it’s completely clean and free from any cleaning solution to avoid rust.
Step 6: After step 5 above, rinse the blade with clean water to make sure it is clean of any cleaning solution or residue. Then dry the blade with a clean, dry cloth to prevent rust. Remember iron and water are no friends, so, to avoid rust make sure your blade is completely wiped off
Step 7: To prevent rust and protect your blade, use the anti-rust spray solution and spray evenly on the blade’s surface.
Step 8: Once you are done spraying the table saw blade, allow a few minutes to dry, and then reattach the cleaned and dried blade to your table saw.
Note: Carbide-tipped saw blades require more attention to clean because they are made of a tougher material than other types of blades. Also, rather than using the regular water-based cleaning solution, you may need special abrasive cleaning tools to clean carbide-tipped saw blades effectively.
Table Saw Maintenance Tips
- For your table saw, regular maintenance is necessary to help keep the machine in good working condition and perform better.
- Table saw blades need regular care to prevent rust and damage caused by debris buildup. — which gradually reduces the performance of your saw blade after a while.
- When a table saw blade has lost its value, it is a wise choice to change it, as cleaning may no longer be effective.
- Always remember to clean your table saw blades after every use, — This may not be a deep clean, but just wiping dust and debris off the blade is a great idea to prevent residue from building over time.
- Sharpening the blade is another maintenance tip you need to always carry out once they are dull or blunt
- Finally, always inspect the condition of your tools before working. Do not start the engine without checking its conditions. It’s like driving your car in the morning without checking the fuel, engine, water, etc. Inspect the condition of your table saw and make sure that it’s not damaged before you start using it.
Conclusion
A clean table saw blade is essential for your woodworking projects, — they improve performance, increase speed, and make the work process smooth, while also reducing risks of accident.
Also, regular cleaning and maintenance not only prolong the life of your saw blades but also ensures safety and precision in your projects.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to clean and maintain your table saw blades properly.
FAQs: How To Clean Table Saw Blade
What products should I use to clean saw blades?
In this guide, I outlined the ingredients required for cleaning table saw blades, however, for the water-based solution, it is recommended that soaking your saw blades in Simple Green or a household citrus cleaner for about ten minutes will help dissolve every residue built up.
Can I use vinegar to clean saw blades?
Yes, you can use Vinegar to clean table saw blades. Just pour some vinegar into the washing pan and completely soak the blade, keeping it immersed for about 9 hours. The rust will be entirely removed. However, vinegar may likely leave a grayish tinge on the blade.
When should I change my table saw blade?
It is recommended to change your saw blades when they are no longer performing at their best. There are signs you should notice, things like worn-out, chipped, broken, and missing teeth, etc. All of this indicates that a table saw blade needs to be replaced.
